With the top of La Liga distant, Barcelona is beginning to plan for the future for the upcoming season. At the moment, the main focus is on the succession of Xavi on the bench, but the Blaugrana executives have already set two "strategic objectives" for the squad: a central midfielder to provide greater solidity and physicality to the team, and an attacking winger with talent capable of providing acceleration, unpredictability, and even some goals.
According to the Spanish newspaper Sport, the Blaugrana's spotlight has been significantly on Rafael Leao in relation to this second profile.
Also on PSG's radar, the Portuguese player would have all the characteristics to reinforce Barcelona's left flank. And the budget available for the operation could be significant. While the maximum expenditure for the midfielder should not exceed 40 million euros, for the attacking winger, the budget in Barcelona should indeed be much more substantial.
According to Sport, initially, the Catalans inquired about Leroy Sané, but the player is now close to renewing with Bayern Munich, and Barcelona's attention has shifted entirely to Leao. Already targeted in the past before renewing with Milan, the Portuguese at Barça is considered a top player. Both for his speed and technique, as well as his scoring ability, although this season at AC Milan, he has stood out more as an assist-provider than as a goalscorer.
These characteristics place Rafael at the top of Barcelona's wishlist, and in June, they should launch a real assault.
According to some rumors relayed by SportMediaset, despite PSG's great interest, the Rossoneri forward would not want to return to Ligue 1 but would prefer to experience the Premier League or La Liga, and these rumors have come through loud and clear ahead of the next transfer window.
The release clause (rumoured to be around 175 million euros), however, is unattainable for Barcelona at the moment, but with a discount and the inclusion of some players in the negotiations, it could decrease and be more within reach for the Blaugrana. In Barcelona, the plan for Rafael Leao is being studied.
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